Golden Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

Golden Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 4 slices of ham
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup melted butter

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (preferably whole milk)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or inside a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2-inch.

3. Season and Assemble:

   • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   • Lay a slice of ham and Swiss cheese in the center of each chicken breast.
   • Roll up the chicken breasts and secure them with toothpicks, if needed.

4. Bread the Chicken:

   • Prepare the breading stations: Place the flour in a shallow dish, beat the eggs in a second dish, and combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and paprika in a third dish.
   • Roll each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

5. Bake the Chicken:

   • Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with the melted butter to ensure a golden, crispy crust.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Make the Sauce:

   • While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly browned.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
   • Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve:

   • Once the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, remove from the oven.
   • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
   • Serve the chicken cordon bleu with the prepared cheese sauce drizzled over the top.

Notes:

• You can garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
• To make it ahead, you can assemble the chicken rolls and keep them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.

Enjoy your delicious and elegant Golden Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake!